The zoo spoke of its heartbreak after revealing staff were unable to save insects, frogs, fish and small birds.

The devastating fire broke out yesterday at Chester Zoo's Monsoon Forest habitat and a 'major incident' was declared.

"Keepers were able to encourage all mammal species away from the fire and to safety - including the zoo’s group of critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, Sulawesi macaques, endangered silvery gibbons and birds such as rhinoceros hornbills," Jamie Christon, Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement.

He added: "We are though, devastated to say that we were unable to save some of our insects, frogs, fish and small birds who were located near to the outbreak of the fire.

(Image: Ian Cooper/Daily Post Wales)

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"It’s absolutely heart-breaking to lose any animal, especially when conservationists have worked so hard to breed these wonderful species."

The horror fire was described as one of the "toughest days in Chester Zoo's long history."

Mr Christon added: "The remarkable efforts from the zoo team and the emergency services meant the fire was extinguished as quickly as possible."